Recognition of prior learning in France: Where have the RPL‐ready applicants gone?

This article analyses results of reforms and revisions of the system for recognition of prior learning outcomes in France ( Validation des acquis de l'expérience , VAE), especially from a quantitative perspective. The development of the recognition of prior learning system in France is reviewed and described. The analysis presented focuses on reasons for a decrease in the number of applicants over the previous decade. An important factor is that earlier generations of applicants were better suited and better prepared for recognition of prior learning outcomes and for participating in the VAE system. Applicants are no longer as ready for participating in the VAE process. Provision of supplementary modular learning has not met the need to complete the qualification process and achieve a full qualification for applicants who are not VAE‐ready. The VAE system has been struggling to reach and validate the less VAE‐ready layers of the population seeking or needing a qualification. Therefore, the number of participants in VAE has continued to decrease. Sustained challenges for a further development of the VAE system include a lack of in‐depth guidance, appropriate provision of top‐up modular training, as well as access and scheduling—so that adults can enrol despite occupational and personal constraints. The article concludes by discussing reasons for this decrease in the number of VAE applicants in France and possible ways forward as France moves towards adopting practices for awarding certificates for labour market competences, i.e., certificates that are not in the main National Qualifications Catalogue.